The Chief Health Officer has issued a new direction requiring all people who have been at a COVID-19 public exposure site in Western Australia since the 27 April 2021 to undertake 14 days quarantine at a suitable place, effective immediately.

Those people who are currently isolating at home may remain there for the 14 days of their quarantine. They must remain in quarantine (unless to get tested) until noon of the 14th day after they were in a WA exposure site, regardless of whether they return a negative COVID-19 test. A person who has already had a test may be required to have further tests, at the direction of an authorised officer.

This new direction follows on from updated information from WA Health authorities and consideration by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). There has been an increase in the number and nature of public exposure sites as investigations into the extent of community transmission continue.

While this increase in exposure sites is expected and there have been no further positive cases linked to this outbreak, there is a need to put in place further measures to reduce the risk to the NT community as some of the sites have been assessed to have a higher risk.

Any person arriving in the Northern Territory from 12.01am on 3 May 2021 who has been to a WA  exposure site is required to undertake 14 days mandatory supervised quarantine at either the Alice Springs or Howard Springs facilities. They must remain in quarantine until noon on the 14th day after the person was in a WA public exposure site. The person must submit to testing for COVID-19 while in quarantine.

A full list of public exposure sites can be found at: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Locations-visited-by-confirmed-cases

To arrange a test, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484 or book online at  https://covid19appointment.nt.gov.au/test

The Chief Health Officer will continue to review and assess the COVID-19 situation in Western Australia, and will take into account COVID-19 monitoring and data collection, the extent of community transmission and risks to the NT community.

The risk of COVID-19 in our communities cannot be eliminated which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel. Make sure you get tested and stay at home.
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres at all times.
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.
• Do not go to work if you feel sick.
• If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19.

Quotes attributable to Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Charles Pain

"The COVID-19 situation in Western Australia continues to unfold, and the list of WA COVID-19 public exposure sites has increased today, as expected. However, the nature of some of these exposure sites carries a higher risk.

“While investigations are continuing and the results of further contact tracing is awaited, it is important that we implement quarantine directions in the Northern Territory to protect the health and safety of our community.

“I have always taken a risk-based and proportionate approach. With an evolving outbreak and more information emerging regarding the nature of exposure sites, we need to take these added precautions to reduce the COVID-19 risk in the Northern Territory.

“The situation could change at any time and I urge everyone to continue to stay updated with the latest information, particularly those looking to undertake interstate travel.”